Riverside Police Looking For Groping Suspect

RIVERSIDE (CBS) — Riverside police are asking female joggers and bikers to be vigilant after at least two women reported being groped by a suspect along a popular hiking trail.

The first assault happened July 6, around 6 a.m. on Victoria Avenue, between Adams and Gratton streets.

According to Sgt. Wayne Ramaekers, a woman was jogging when a man came up from behind and groped her. The victim fought, and the suspect fled on a bicycle.

Ramaekers said the second assault occurred on Tuesday, July 17, around 6:40 a.m. on the Victoria Avenue bike path, near St. Lawrence Street, about a block from where the first incident happened. He said a woman out for a stroll was grabbed from behind and groped.

“The female turned and screamed, but the male subject was already running away from her,” the sergeant said.

In both assaults, the suspect was described as Hispanic, in his 20s, about 5-foot-5, with a medium build. In the second incident, the man was dressed in a blue t-shirt, blue jeans and a blue baseball cap.

Anyone with information was urged to call Detective Rita Cobb at (951) 353-7120.